As ASL interpreters, we often debate whether we should bill for arriving early to assignments. Are we preparing ourselves to do the best job possible, or are we giving clients a freebie by showing up ahead of time? Let’s dive into why interpreters should not bill for arriving early to assignments. 

1. Standard Practice: Arriving 10-15 minutes early is generally expected. It’s seen as part of the job to make sure you’re ready to start on time, rather than an extra service that deserves extra pay.
2. Building Goodwill: Not billing for arriving early can help build strong relationships with clients. It shows you’re committed to great service without seeming like you’re adding unnecessary charges.
3. Industry Norms: There’s a worry that billing for early arrival might turn off some clients, especially if it’s not a common practice. Staying consistent with industry norms can sometimes be more beneficial than the extra income from billing.
4. Traffic and Parking Considerations: We all know that traffic can be unpredictable, and finding parking, especially in busy areas or large campuses, can take more time than expected. By arriving early, you give yourself a buffer against these potential delays, reducing stress and ensuring that you aren’t rushing.
5. Finding the Building: Navigating unfamiliar locations can be challenging. Arriving early allows you time to find the correct building and room without feeling pressured. This also gives you a chance to familiarize yourself with the layout, so you know exactly where you need to be.
6. Pre-Assignment Briefings: Early arrival often includes time for pre-assignment coordination, such as meeting with event organizers, teaming dynamics or understanding any last-minute changes. This preparation is vital for smooth and effective communication during the assignment.
7. Stress Reduction: Knowing you have ample time to get to your assignment reduces anxiety. This calmness translates into better performance, as you’re not frazzled by a last-minute rush. Your focus can be entirely on the interpreting task at hand.

Real-World Examples

Consider this scenario where arriving early is essential:

1. College Campuses: College campuses often require extra time to navigate parking and long walks across complex layouts. Imagine walking into a college classroom after the professor has started their lecture—this would be embarrassing and reflects poorly on both our profession and the student who relies on our services.

Special Situations: Parking, Security, and More

While arriving 10-15 minutes early is the norm, some assignments need more time for things. These situations require extra time and effort that should be considered for billing.

1. Concerts: For a concert, arriving just 15 minutes ahead of time isn’t enough. You need time to park, go through security, walk through the venue, find your point of contact, and set up staging and lighting. 
2. Security Checks: For high-security locations like government buildings, getting through security can take 30 minutes or more. This extra time is necessary but often significant enough to be billed.

Conclusion

Billing for arriving early is a complex and ongoing debate. However, making early arrival a standard practice is a powerful habit that benefits you as much as it does the clients. It ensures you’re prepared, reduces stress, and enhances your professionalism. At The SOS Agency, we consider arriving early as a standard practice. This ensures that we continue to provide top-notch interpreting services.  

What are your thoughts? Let’s keep the conversation going!